There are many enjoyable ways to drink whiskey. By far, my favorite is standing in a circle and passing a bottle around, preferably in the woods. This is not appropriate for all situations, however, so other ways have evolved:

Neat – A variation on passing a bottle around, the whiskey is still straight, but it’s served in a glass, usually a two-ounce pour, except for the places with the fancy stuff that let you get a one-ounce poor. I like to taste a whiskey neat first to decide its true flavor, and then might add ice cubes if needed. This is a nice way to sip away an evening.

On the rocks – With ice. It has the nice effect of cooling the whiskey, taking the edge off some of the edgier ones, and making the drink last a little longer. It also makes for that nice clinking sound. Depending on how watered down you want it, this method can either require faster sipping or the occasional top-off. The proper way is to have a bucket of ice nearby for people to add rocks as needed.

Recommended – Elmer T. Lee Bourbon Whiskey, Four Roses Bourbon

As a shot – Straight pour, tilted back. Sipping not required or even recommended. This is usually done in celebration, to get to the later part of the evening a little earlier, or because it is the later part of the evening and all ideas sound excellent. Warning to novices – there are whiskies that are considered “sipping whiskies” and are often quite expensive. If someone treats you to one, sip and appreciate, don’t take it all at once.

Recommended – Jameson Irish Whiskey, Maker’s Mark Bourbon Whisky

As a mixer – Jack and Coke was my starter drink and is still a go-to for early in the evening. Whiskey can make a nice cocktail, as long as you aren’t wasting the good stuff, and is better in your coffee than cream. Jack and Ginger(ale) makes for a light, summer drink. My favorite Autumn drink is spiked cider with cinnamon, cloves, and a healthy tip of the bottle. For winter, I recently met Hot Toddy and he gives quite the comfort – tea heated in a big pot, add whiskey and lemons. For Spring, there is actually a whiskey sangria that you shouldn’t knock until you try it. And, of course, an old-fashioned favorite is a Manhattan, not too sweet with just a touch of class.

A chaser is acceptable if you are not of the whiskey-drinking variety and still want to partake, but, please, do not crinkle the nose, scrunch the mouth, or spit if you do not enjoy the whiskey. Others are enjoying, and a shout-out of “how can you drink this?” or “this stuff tastes like rubbing alcohol” will make you no friends.